Music Review: Kevin Eubanks – Zen Food

Kevin Eubanks replaced Branford Marsalis as the leader of The Tonight Show Band back in 1995. He held the position right up through 2010, stepping down at the end of May. His easy going nature and good humor made him a strong asset to The Tonight Show. Bantering with host Jay Leno night after night, he achieved a high degree of name recognition over the years. Eubanks presumably hopes that popularity will follow him with the release of Zen Food, his Mack Avenue Records debut.

Eubanks was an established jazz guitarist long before his time on The Tonight Show, both as a sideman and bandleader. His debut album, bearing the minimalist title Guitarist, was released in 1982. He recorded sporadically during his time on late night television, but Zen Food marks a “not so foreign” new chapter for Eubanks. He’s back to being a composer and recording artist. “That’s all I used to do,” Eubanks emphasizes in the album’s press notes, “Musically I’m at a different level, as well as personally.”

Leading a quintet through mostly original tunes, Eubanks favors a slow, simmering build with plenty of room for his musicians to stretch out. “The Dancing Sea” opens the set with a killer riff that serves as the foundation for an increasingly intense performance. It’s an exciting way to kick off the album. “The Dirty Monk” epitomizes the slow-burn feel of much of the album, beginning with some laid back guitar work. One of the lengthier tracks, it escalates to a frenzied full band jam. Gerry Etkins contributes some impressive keyboard soloing.

“6/8,” the title referring to the tune’s time signature, spotlights the hypnotic bass playing of Rene Camacho. Bill Pierce works up a sweat on tenor sax before tossing it to Eubanks. His fluid, lightning-quick runs makes this possibly his finest solo on the album. Near the end of “6/8,” Marvin “Smitty” Smith’s drum solo helps lead the band into overdrive for a funky finale. At the other end of the spectrum is “Adoration,” an acoustic guitar and keyboard duet boasting the record’s most gentle and melodic moments.

At times there’s too much aimless noodling on tracks that never really take off. “Offering” is one such example, though its meditative feel gives it a promising beginning. Unfortunately the track limply drags along, without much spark between the musicians. “I Remember Loving You” similarly never develops into anything more interesting than moody atmospherics. Keyboardist Gerry Etkins contributed “G.G.” (the only non-Eubanks tune), and it’s frankly a bit of a monotonous bore.

Another problem is the actual sound of the album. The mix is a bit muddy at times, with the drums and percussion lacking definition. Marvin Smith’s excellent work deserves more prominence in the overall sound. I can’t quite place my finger on it, but the recording seems to lack punch. On the more frenetic numbers in particular, the instruments seem to blend together in an uncomfortable morass.

Thankfully Zen Food manages to mostly rise above those issues, due to the strength of the musicianship. Eubanks, of course, is front and center but all the players get a chance to shine. Gear endorsements are listed for each musician, not at all uncommon (especially with jazz albums). However, interestingly enough the title of the album itself is an endorsement. Z.E.N. Foods, a Los Angeles-based health food delivery service, receives a special thanks in the liner notes. Eubanks is a nutrition nut and obviously thinks quite highly of Z.E.N.’s product, calling it “the greatest food in the world.” While of course food is nutrition for the body, he sees music as nutrition for the soul. This concept lends Zen Food a neat double meaning.

I just watched Eubanks perform on the Tonight Show and it seemed to me that his guitar playing was grossly out of tune or just sloppy and his band together sounded like a chaotic mess.

Jon

Whomever wrote this review of Kevin’s new release: Don’t quit your day job.

The Other Chad

Thanks so much Jon – I will see if I can cancel the two-week notice I just submitted! You’re a lifesaver.

Jon

“Offering” does anything but “limply drag along.” Perhaps to those with A.D.D. it may appear to. To those who enjoy improvisational Jazz, it’s called soloing over a vamp. It’s called letting a theme develop.

And you didn’t even comment on “Spider Monkey Cafe”, arguably one of the best, if not THE best, track on the album. The mix is just right, where each instrument is being given the chance to be heard. To hear it, you have to actually Listen, though.

Look, great jazz/artists is/are having enough of a tough time regaining popularity and respect without having to overcome a whole new set of ‘issues’ from critics with far too much taste

Bottom line: This is a wonderful CD, and it sounds just fine on el-cheapo Coby headphones. The production, musicianship, engineering are all top-notch. Can’t wait to play it through some higher end equipment.

If I’ve “saved” someone from failing to realize what a wonderful album this is, then it was worth this post.

My review is simply my opinion and nothing more. To my ears, “Offering” failed to develop into anything interesting. You’ll note I didn’t pan the album – there is definitely good musicianship on display.

It’s actually kind of normal for people to disagree about something as subjective as music appreciation. Suggesting someone has A.D.D. because they hear something differently – well, that’s actually fairly rude.

Jon

Using the word ‘limp’ in the context you used it in, is rude, Chad.

Exactly what credentials do you have as they relate to reviewing jazz music/musicians?

http://blogcritics.org/writers/the-other-chad/ The Other Chad

No, it’s isn’t. There are ways to use the word “limp” in a rude context – all of which are more personal than applying the adjective to a piece of music.

I review a variety of things here without possessing “credentials” for any of it. It doesn’t require board certification. I’m just an average joe who likes music.

Almost anyone can write reviews for this site. The comments section allows readers to agree/disagree with, or even insult the writer (as long as its not an “attack”).

Hell, even the person responsible for editing these very comments left me some feedback on one of my reviews. He said most music journalism is lazy and that mine is no exception.

Jon

‘I review a variety of things here without possessing “credentials” for any of it. It doesn’t require board certification. I’m just an average joe who likes music.’

Thanks for the clarification. Bye…

Mike

Worst show I have ever seen. He better beg Leno back for his job. Horrendous !!!!